The more they feared the Governor's Mansion, the more they had to head there for safety.
"Lord Chen, today's feat truly has not been seen in a thousand years."
Commander Han said with feeling, "Do you really intend to lead all the people onward?"
"I've already said it. I can't go back on my word now."
Chen Sanshi calculated, "The Xihe Tribe has only just fled beyond the Great Wall. It will take at least a day before they react, then they'll need to wait for their reinforcements to arrive. By then, we'll have already traveled for three days and three nights."
"Not enough."
Han Cheng shook his head. "Cavalry can cover hundreds of li in a day. How far can a group of old, weak, sick, and disabled people travel in one day? They'll be caught before long."
"That's why I hope Brother Han can contact the Governor's Mansion as soon as possible. It would be best if they can send some troops over."
Chen Sanshi even doubted whether Hengkang Prefecture's two thousand troops could still come at all—and if they did, how many would actually arrive?
"I still suggest..."
Han Cheng said somewhat guiltily, "That the young lady, young master, and your family leave first."
"Fine. I'll ask Sun Li for you. If she's willing, she can leave first on a fast horse."
Chen Sanshi did not reject the suggestion outright.
"Good! Then, Lord Chen, I'll take my leave first."
Han Cheng coughed. "Publicly, I'm already a dead man. If I'm seen walking with you, it may breed needless complications. If I get any news, I'll call to you like a cuckoo. Follow the sound and find me.
"Also, this is for you."
As he spoke, he took out a martial arts manual.
"A Viscera Quenching spear technique?!"